Australia’s Eugene Glazman has officially joined the ranks of the world’s top badminton officials, earning his BWF Referee qualification after successfully completing his practical assessment at the recent MAXX North Harbour International.
Eugene’s journey is a testament to dedication and perseverance. A product of the Badminton Oceania Confederation (BOC) Referee Development Programme, he has steadily progressed over the past four years from an Australian national qualified Referee to Oceania Accredited, then Certificated Referee, and now BWF-qualified.
Throughout this journey, BOC—supported by funding from the BWF—has enabled Eugene to gain valuable experience at major international events. He served as Local Deputy Referee at the Australian Open (World Tour 500) and the Guwahati Masters 2024 (Tour 100), working alongside BWF Referees and officials from outside Oceania.
A Natural Progression
Eugene’s officiating career began nearly 12 years ago when, as an enthusiastic amateur player in a local tournament, he met some of Western Australia’s top officials. That encounter sparked a passion for umpiring.
After earning his initial qualifications, Eugene travelled to Auckland in 2015 to officiate at the Oceania Championships and the New Zealand Grand Prix. It was there that he discovered his calling.
“Refereeing felt like a more natural fit for me—I enjoy the more analytical side of things, and I love how a referee’s work helps bring many moving parts of a tournament together,” Eugene said. “When things run smoothly and everyone—players, spectators, officials—has a great experience, it’s incredibly satisfying.”
From operating as a ‘de facto’ referee at state-level tournaments to dealing with COVID disruptions, the path to the top wasn’t always smooth. However, once the world opened up again post-2020, Eugene says the support from BOC helped him get back on track.
“Badminton Oceania’s Technical Official Development Program was a huge help,” he explained. “It gave me access to more international events and boosted my progression through continental qualification levels.”
Balancing this demanding path with full-time work and family life wasn’t easy. Eugene credits his wife Lili and their young daughter Georgia for keeping him grounded and motivated.
“It takes planning, support, and a lot of passion for the sport,” he said.
The Exciting New Journey
Now, as a BWF Referee, Eugene is looking forward to the next chapter, one filled with new challenges, diverse tournaments, and continued learning.
“I love working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives,” Eugene said. “No two tournaments are the same, and there’s always something new to pick up.”
For Eugene, the reward lies not just in the title, but in the shared commitment to excellence that defines the officiating community. He’s quick to acknowledge the many mentors who helped shape his journey, including Greg Vellacott, Kelly Hoare, Jiten Bhatt, Don Stockins, Jane Wheatley, Sandra David, Peter Cocker, Lynne Nixey, and Julie Carrel.
“Reaching the BWF level is a dream that keeps many of us going,” he reflected. “It takes years of learning and hard work, but also that moment when you realise — I’m actually quite good at this.”
“Eugene is a great representative for Oceania on the world stage,” said Julie Carrel, Secretary General of Badminton Oceania. “His dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit will take him far, and we couldn’t be more excited to have another Oceania technical official at the highest level.”
BOC congratulates Eugene on this fantastic achievement and looks forward to seeing him thrive in his new role.
